Tuneable harmonic frequency combs via dual-beam or structured-target laser-solid interactions

When an intense laser pulse strikes a flat solid target at normal incidence, only odd, equally spaced harmonics are typically generated. Using particle-in-cell simulations, we show that introducing transverse spatial modulation-either via two beams incident at small opposing angles or a single beam reflecting from a corrugated surface-produces a two-dimensional harmonic spectrum. Selecting the emission through a narrow slit isolates an angle-dependent subset of harmonics, forming a tunable frequency comb controlled by both the viewing angle and the drive-laser frequency. Distinct combs arise for s- and p-polarised emission, while increasing the focal spot size reduces divergence and improves efficiency. Additional control is achieved by varying beam frequencies, target tilt, or beam number. Replacing the dual-beam configuration with a single beam and structured surface provides equivalent functionality with significantly reduced experimental complexity.

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Publication Details

Journal
Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde)
Published
2026-03-05
Primary Topic
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Tuneable harmonic frequency combs via dual-beam or structured-target laser-solid interactions

P. McKenna, Holger Schmitz, Robert G. Bingham, M. King et al.
Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde)
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
article

Tuneable harmonic frequency combs via dual-beam or structured-target laser-solid interactions

P. McKenna, Holger Schmitz, Robert G. Bingham, M. King, R. M. G. M. Trines
article en

Abstract

When an intense laser pulse strikes a flat solid target at normal incidence, only odd, equally spaced harmonics are typically generated. Using particle-in-cell simulations, we show that introducing transverse spatial modulation-either via two beams incident at small opposing angles or a single beam reflecting from a corrugated surface-produces a two-dimensional harmonic spectrum. Selecting the emission through a narrow slit isolates an angle-dependent subset of harmonics, forming a tunable frequency comb controlled by both the viewing angle and the drive-laser frequency. Distinct combs arise for s- and p-polarised emission, while increasing the focal spot size reduces divergence and improves efficiency. Additional control is achieved by varying beam frequencies, target tilt, or beam number. Replacing the dual-beam configuration with a single beam and structured surface provides equivalent functionality with significantly reduced experimental complexity.

Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council
Affordable and clean energy
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
Laser-Plasma Interactions and Diagnostics
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Tuneable harmonic frequency combs via dual-beam or structured-target laser-solid interactions — P. McKenna, Holger Schmitz, et al. · Strathprints: The University of Strathclyde institutional repository (University of Strathclyde) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS